Original Leyland passport to service and historic ownership documents
Lovely condition throughout and in great working order
THE APPEAL
The Rover P6 was the company’s most innovative and radical design. Created by an engineering team led by Spen King and Gordon Bashford, it was an ultra-modern, high quality car that challenged convention in almost every way.
Although not as radical as the engineers wanted it to be - for example, Bashford had said that he wanted hydropneumatic suspension and a Boxer engine originally - it was created in such a way that it was like no other car on the road.
That was largely down to it being fabricated on a monocoque skeleton baseframe, to which all of the outer panels were simply bolted. Not only did the layout make the P6 easy to repair as damaged or corroded body panels could simply be unbolted and replaced , but it also made it a terrific car to drive. Indeed, the P6 remains a fairly modern feeling car to drive even today – far more so than most of its peers. A 70mph motorway cruise is both refined and stable.
So popular was it at launch that by 1964, the factory was running extra shifts in order to keep up with demand from customers who had embraced the new car, also winner of the inaugural European Car of the Year award.
This example is a truly charming thing. A 2000 SC Automatic, registered in 1970 as one of the very last of the pre-facelift P6s with the old-school metal grille.
In 2014, it was returned to the road after a 28-year lay-up, and in 2018 was treated to a partial restoration, with all of the body panels stripped and the skeleton unit restored and repainted. It’s lovely - the condition of the inner wings an indicator as to how good this P6 is under the skin.
The vendor adores it, but he also has a very early (and sentimentally attached) P6 with a manual transmission that has sat in storage for over a decade and he wants to free up funds for its restoration. He’s the first to admit it’s a reluctant sale.
THE HISTORY AND PAPERWORK
Supplied new in June 1970 to a Mrs Barton of Worcester
Original British Leyland Passport to Service with two service stamps
Owner’s Manual and Maintenance Handbook in plastic wallet
Some wonderful old artefacts – a Rover 2000 accessories list, an invitation to subscribe to British Leyland’s ‘High Road’ magazine, several old insurance certificates, a used car invoice from Henly’s British Leyland in Coventry dated 1977, when it was sold for £895
Was garage stored from 1986 to 2014 following its owner’s passing, according to previous keeper
Recommissioned in 2014
Full base unit restoration and outer body respray in original Sage Green in 2018
UK V5C
MOT until October 2023, but also tax and MOT exempt
Mileage believed genuine based on condition and old documents, but unproven
Three keys
THE INTERIOR
Cream leather. No rips, tears or damage but seats have a gentle patina and light cracking all over. The gently patinated appearance is core to its appeal, and the old car smell intoxicating – to over-restore it would be sacrilege
Original carpets and mats in good condition but would benefit from a sympathetic deep clean
Headlining and door cards in excellent order
Keinzle clock and fuel gauge work but can be temperamental
Strip speedometer
Original radio blanking plate
Twin glove compartments
Wood-effect trim
Matching pair of dealer-option headrests supplied – actively sought-after by P6 enthusiasts
THE EXTERIOR
Sage Green, repainted in quality cellulose
Base unit restored and structurally repaired in 2018
Underside in good order and professionally waxed and undersealed
Very good paint finish with no major flaws, minor micro-blisters and imperfections, no visible corrosion or paint damage
Original chrome in good overall order, but some pitting and some scratches to rear, with gentle patina that exudes original appeal
Original yellow and white reflective number plates
Truly lovely, charming and original car that deliberately hasn’t been over-restored
THE MECHANICS
2.0-litre 4cyl
Three-speed auto transmission
100mph top speed with genuinely good motorway cruising ability
Mechanically excellent – starts first time, very little smoke, engages gears faultlessly
Drives superbly, with excellent comfort and ride quality
Basic oil service completed by vendor ahead of sale
SUMMARY
If you want a car with all the charm of a 1960s classic but with an added dose of day-to-day usability, then the Rover P6 takes some beating. And with it tax, MOT and ULEZ-exempt status and automatic transmission, this one is the perfect companion for city use or life on the open road.
It’s a car that has been sympathetically restored without being overdone – one that still retains a huge amount of originality coupled to a soul-stirringly gentle patina that really draws you in. A lovely, charming and adorable old car with just the right amount of gentle ageing to it, but in rude mechanical and structural health.
Notice to bidders
This item is sold on an ‘As is Where is’ basis. The condition of this item is the opinion of the seller and may differ from your own opinion. Photos and listing descriptions are for guidance purposes only. Car & Classic do not warrant listing accuracy. Full inspection is recommended. Viewings are at the seller’s discretion. Buyer is responsible for delivery and collection of any item purchased.
UK-registered cars and motorbikes on Car & Classic are run through an online HPI check. On the HPI report, this vehicle shows no insurance database markers for damage or theft. It is currently not covered by a finance agreement.
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